Summary
Amends the:
Evidence Act 1995
to introduce a privilege during trial and pre-trial stages of civil or criminal proceedings to protect confidential communications between journalists and their sources;
James Hardie (Investigations and Proceedings) Act 2004
and
Proceeds of Crimes Act 2002
to ensure that the professional confidential relationship privilege under the
Evidence Act 1995
, Evidence Act (NSW) or a similar law in another State or Territory, does not apply in James Hardie proceedings and in proceeds of crime examinations and subsequent proceedings; and
Family Law Act 1975
to ensure that the best interests of the child are paramount when a court is determining whether confidential communications should be disclosed in family law proceedings concerning children.